Torch, Spring/Summer 2009

Spring–Summer 2009 | TORCH 27 has been engineered with a purpose. God wants us to depend on Him, to desire Him more than our annuities, to declutter our lives and defragment our minds, to live again in the freedom that comes when He and He alone is our heart’s desire. Consider taking the following actions in light of these tough times: Give More As much as possible, we need to open our hearts, hands, and purses. Increase your tipping and tithing. Though it is our natural inclination to tighten up and close down, God would have us open up, reach out, and extend ourselves during this time. Develop a Thankful Spirit One of the sins deemed acceptable by our Christian community is complaining. We, along with the world, have become gripers. But God commands us be thankful in everything. Keep a discerning spirit but always remember that God has been very good to us. Build a Spiritual Portfolio Be as concerned about your spiritual portfolio as you are about your financial one. Practice good asset allocation by diversifying your actions. As you build you spiritual portfolio, be sure to include such things as “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness” (1 Tim. 6:11). Sing More Singing has a special way of accomplishing a mind-meld with the truth of Scripture. It allows us to see life from God’s perspective. For instance, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” reassures us that He is with us. In the hymn “Count Your Blessings,” we are reminded that “When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one.” God is able to use economic cycles to accomplish His purpose of character building, both individually and corporately. Giving more, developing a thankful spirit, building a spiritual portfolio, and singing with a heart of praise — we can do these things to please Him and overcome a troubled economy through a scriptural mind-meld. T Dr. Galen Smith serves as professor of economics at Cedarville University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washburn University, a master’s degree in economics from Kansas State University, a Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Seminary. 2009 marks the 150 th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species . As Darwin’s influence has become increasingly pervasive in society, Christians have the responsibility and opportunity to engage in these often heated discussions from a biblical perspective. Join us in the next issue of TORCH (fall-winter) as we seek to make sense of evolutionary thinking. We’ll affirm a literal seven-day creation, demonstrate how creation scientists are influencing the world, and ignite excitement for how we can defend biblical truth with the heart and mind of Christ. NEXT ISSUE STEVENWYNN / ISTOCKPHOTO; ROBERT RECORD / ISTOCKPHOTO